Frost dates for 85141Picacho, AZ
The average last spring frost in Picacho is February 6 and the average first fall frost is December 9, giving a typical growing season of about 308 days. Dates are based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
- Average last spring frost
- Feb 6
- Average first fall frost
- Dec 9
- Growing season
- 308 days
Safer after Mar 5 (1-in-10 risk)
Possible by Nov 22 (1-in-10 risk)
First frost typically in 43 days
Frost risk by date
NOAA reports frost dates as probabilities. The middle date is the average (a 50% chance). For spring, the 10% date is a safer planting date: frost after it happens in about 1 year in 10. Light frost (36°F) can damage tender plants; a hard freeze (28°F) kills most annuals.
| Temperature | Last spring: 90% / 50% / 10% chance | First fall: 10% / 50% / 90% chance | Growing season (50%) | Years with at least one |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light frost (36°F) | Feb 2 · Feb 28 · Mar 26 | Nov 11 · Nov 29 · Dec 15 | 271 days | 100% |
| Frost / freeze (32°F) | Jan 6 · Feb 6 · Mar 5 | Nov 22 · Dec 9 · Dec 26 | 308 days | 99% |
| Hard freeze (28°F) | Dec 17 · Jan 14 · Feb 13 | Dec 1 · Dec 19 · Jan 22 | 342 days | 83% |
Where these dates come from
ZIP code 85141 is matched to the NOAA station Picacho 8 Se, AZ, 5.6 km away, at 1,981 ft elevation (295 ft higher than the ZIP code's center). Nearby stations for comparison:
| Station | Elevation | Avg last frost | Avg first frost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picacho 8 Se, AZ (used) | 1,981 ft | Feb 6 | Dec 9 |
| Eloy 4 Ne, AZ | 1,545 ft | Feb 24 | Nov 28 |
| Robson Rch, AZ | 1,495 ft | Feb 7 | Dec 3 |
| Arizona City, AZ | 1,525 ft | Feb 28 | Nov 21 |
Frost dates near Picacho
- Red Rock, AZ 85145 · last Feb 6, first Dec 9
- Eloy, AZ 85131 · last Feb 24, first Nov 28
- Arizona City, AZ 85123 · last Feb 28, first Nov 21
- Casa Grande, AZ 85130 · last Feb 5, first Dec 6
- Coolidge, AZ 85128 · last Feb 17, first Nov 29
- Marana, AZ 85653 · last Feb 6, first Dec 9
- Valley Farms, AZ 85191 · last Feb 17, first Nov 29
- Florence, AZ 85132 · last Feb 17, first Nov 29
Frequently asked questions
- When is the last frost in Picacho, AZ?
- For ZIP code 85141, the average last spring frost (32°F) is February 6, based on NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for the Picacho 8 Se, AZ weather station. There is a 1-in-10 chance of a frost after March 5.
- When is the first frost in Picacho, AZ?
- The average first fall frost (32°F) is December 9. There is a 1-in-10 chance of frost by November 22, so tender plants are at risk from that point on.
- How long is the growing season in 85141?
- In half of years, the frost-free season (between the last and first 32°F frost) is at least 308 days long.
- Are these frost dates a forecast?
- No. They are 30-year averages and probabilities from NOAA weather station records. Use them to plan, then watch your local forecast before planting tender crops or leaving them uncovered.